Japan Guide
Hokkaidō
Getting around
Frequent trains and buses make getting around most of Hokkaidō easy. As always, there are several special rail tickets worth considering. JR Hokkaido offers the Hokkaido Rail Pass (3/5 days ¥14,000/18,000). There's also the great value five one-day ticket package, Seishun Jūhachi-kippu, which is valid on local trains only from March 1 to April 10, July 20 to September 10 and December 10 to January 20 (¥11,500) – ideal if you're not in a hurry. However, to reach some of the more remote corners of the island you'll need your own transport. This is a good place to consider renting a car or motorbike, and cycling is also very popular. A couple of useful websites for those with their own transport are 
northern-road.jp/navi/eng/index.htm and ride-in.com/~hokkaido . Hitching is another option as locals are generally keen to give rides to foreigners so that they can practise their English; if you take the necessary precautions, safety shouldn't be a problem.